DARK DEBT

Chicagoland Vampires #11 by Chloe Neill

A vampire never gets old. But neither do his enemies. When a figure from Ethan’s dark past makes a splashy debut in Chicago, Merit and her Master don’t know whether he’s friend or foe. But they’ll have to figure out soon, because trouble is brewing in the Windy City.

At an exclusive society soiree attended by the upper echelons of the human and supernatural worlds, Merit and Ethan barely stop the assassination of a guest. When the target turns out to be a shady businessman with a criminal edge, Merit suspects a human vendetta. But the assassins have fangs….

The connections to Chicago’s Houses go deeper than Merit knows, and even one wrong move could be her last…. http://www.chloeneill.com

Audiobook provided by Tantor Audio and print book by Penguin NAL for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.

It’s release day for the 11th book in one of my favorite series, Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires. This entry roams from Cadogan House into the islands of Lake Michigan. Like all of the Chicagoland novels real risk exists for all the couples: Vampires, Sorcercers and Humans. A new troublesome element is brought into play and this one is going to be formidable.

I happened to listen to the audio book and I thought Sophie Eastlake did a great job, hitting the target between a straight read and acting. Her Merit was great although I found the range on the other characters narrow. The production is clean and without extraneous noises.

I am always happy to be drawn into the world Ethan and Merit inhabit. It’s a slightly alternative world with the only real changes being the very recent knowledge about the existence of vampires and the recent political history of Chicago.

Very little time has gone by in the series; it has all occured in just over a year while in real time it’s been almost 6 years since the first book was published. I always find the real time to series time difference hard to wrap my head around.

The thing I think I like the best about the series, and in particular, Merit and Ethan, is how Merit maintains her personality and independence whether she’s with Ethan or not. She isn’t kickass on her own and then wimpy when the powerful male vampire is protecting her.

This story has Merit and Ethan overcoming further issues — the kind that either make or break a relationship. And, other characters take new steps in their relationships too.

DARK DEBT has Ethan (the powerful male vampire) facing an important figure from his past. Mallory’s relationship with her father, never all that loving, takes a new turn as his Machiavellian machinations throw the differences between the men in Merit’s life into relief so obvious even Dad has to come to terms with his own failings as a parent and maybe even as a person.

I feel that Chloe’s vampires are better humans than are her humans. Beyond Merit’s grandfather, the only humans in her life are vacuous, money grubbing, criminal or social climbing. The paranormal world seems to be peopled by beings who are either good or “off the rails” bad. Her vampires also don’t seem possessed of amazing super strength or bravery; or are becoming more human over time. Merit and Ethan seem only slightly faster and stronger than some of the humans they face here. And, some interesting biological stuff is coming up!

The twists in this story are fascinating; especially the way they unravel. Chloe is really good at bringing a reader to a conclusion just a fraction of a second before Merit. The plots are full of political intrigue and personal growth. Chloe doesn’t fill in all the blanks so readers actually have to pay attention and connect some dots.

Ethan and Merit’s relationship is physical and sexy but the steamy stuff is tasteful. This is a must read series and I highly recommend reading them in order. And, eleven books in Chloe is still keeping it fresh — coming up with interesting plots and new characters, even as she develops storylines from earlier books. I eagerly await each new book!

I had the chance to ask Chloe a few questions about the book.

Throughout DARK DEBT I felt vampires were less different that humans than they had been in previous entries in the series. Not as strong, not as fast.

1. Do you feel you are moving the vampires towards being more human?

No. That’s certainly not intended, at any rate. I think Ethan feels emotions more strongly now than he did in his previous centuries, but they’re just as strong and fast, if not stronger and faster.

That’s not to say Ethan and Merit win all battles they fight. They aren’t omnipotent or unbeatable. If they were, there’d be no more conflicts, and thus no more books. Sometimes the other guy is just stronger/faster.

About Vampire Fertility: We know there is a prophecy about Merit and Ethan having a child. And, Merit mentions that no vampire pregnancy had ever been carried to term. Therefore I assume vampires can conceive. It’s not unheard of for there to be vampire pregnancies (cough, Twilight).

2. If vampires can actually conceive, are they still fertile (do they still have menses and live sperm); do they have to use birth control?

There have been conceptions, but very few (I believe the number is three). As you note, none have been carried to term. As such, vampires are generally not fertile, so no further birth control is necessary.

3. Could a natural conception occur or would sorcerer’s magic be involved?

As noted above, there have been conceptions. So they are possible, but very, very unlikely (based on the rate to date).

4. Do your vamps have retractable fangs (A la True Blood) or are the fangs (canines or incisors?) always visible?

The fangs are always visible.

Thanks for having me!

On Site Giveaway:

Cadogan House cotton tote bag

Cadogan House keychain

An autographed international Chicagoland Vampires novel

Swag, including Chicagoland Vampires bookmarks and pens, and Cadogan House lanyards

TO ENTER
Please comment and fill out the rafflecopter form. Open to US shipping only and to entrants 18 and older.

Comment Ideas:

What do you think is next for the series?

When do you think Ethan will propose?

Which is your favorite OTHER couple in the series: Luc & Lindsay, Jeff and Fallon, Mallory and Catcher or someone else?

62 Comments

Awesome interview! The prophecy is the main thing that has me excited, worried, and just AHHHHHHH, you know? I love the idea but the wait is torture so all I can do is try to guess what will happen.
I can’t wait to read this book, I love this series so much. Eeep!

I read the first few in the Dark Elite, but then my focus changed and I stopped reading YA. I enjoyed it though. Thanks for coming by!

EllenMarch 3, 2015 @ 10:47 AM

This is one of my favourite series as well. It just keeps getting better. I am really looking forward to seeing how the prophesy of the green eyed baby turns out. Perhaps Ethan has come back altered in a lot of different ways.

Thank you Grace. Chloe is easy to interview! The books are so interesting that I always have questions.

Janie McGaughMarch 3, 2015 @ 12:47 PM

Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of these books, yet, though I’ve had it on my to-read list for a long time! I appreciate the interview, since I didn’t know any of the rules of their world, and the pregnancy one is intriguing. It looks like I’m going to have to start reading these sooner rather than later.

I am holding off until I can get a copy of this in audio format to listen to. I read the novella Lucky Break, but missed the voices by Sophie Eastlake so much that I will just be patient and wait. So happy this series keeps being so damn awesome!

I am not sure if Chloe has had time to respond to reader’s questions this week. There is a new series coming up Devil’s Isle (NAL)

THE VEIL, Book One, coming August 4, 2015!
“Seven years ago, the Veil that separates us from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil’s Isle.” http://www.chloeneill.com/?page_id=769

In her FAQ Chloe says she anticipates the Chicagoland Vamires series will end with #13.

Thanks for dropping in!

LynnMarch 8, 2015 @ 7:20 PM

I’m excited to dive into this book and even more excited for her new series in August. I do kind of wish she had kept it in Chicago though, as the reason I was drawn to the Chicagoland Vampires Series was because of my familiarity with the area. It’s fun to read about places you know in books!

Lynn, I love that too! Even if I don’t know the area super well, I still feel closer to the story if I’ve been there. Thanks for coming by.

Hey guys! The pages and posts here are looking a bit weird as I iron out some theme issues. Sorry!

Badges

EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ONLY. I am not currently accepting review requests. Guest posts are still being used, please see policy.

NOTICE TO VISITORS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION: Clicking on ANY button (including social sharing) advertisement or link on this blog may result in the setting of limited or persistent cookies on your computer or device through this site or the third party.
IF YOU CLICK ON ANY BUTTON, AD, OR LINK IT WILL CONSTITUTE YOUR POSITIVE AND INFORMED CONSENT TO THOSE COOKIES BEING SET AND/OR USED BY THAT PARTY.

I am required to inform you and in some cases obtain your consent. This constitutes notice and your clicking on a link , button or ad constitutes your consent to the cookie and privacy policy of that site.

Fangs-In-the-Inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list

New! Follow this blog with bloglovin

LINKY FOLLOWERS

Facebook: Like me, and I will love you!

Well, I will love you anyway. But I will have a great ego boost!

Check It Out!

follow me on PINTEREST

I’m Groovin’ on Avon

Facebook

Feedly!

Are You an Addict?

FTC Disclosure

In accordance with new FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I am in no way compensated for any reviews on my site.
Usually it is the case that I have received a reviewed book from a publisher, author, agent or other representative for review. If I fail to note this you may assume it is the case.
But normally, it is my intention to inform readers when a book(s) I review on my site are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When a review copy is provided, no payment was received in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are mine except where referenced, and my opinions may not necessarily agree with the author or any agent, publicist, publisher or other person representing or affiliated with said author, or with the readers of any review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
See Policies and Such Page fmi.